Legislation covers new transit cars for California

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Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, CA), has introduced two bills in the U.S. Hose that his office said are “designed to create American jobs and jumpstart America’s manufacturing sector.”

The bills, H.R. 6216, the Make It In America, Create Transportation Manufacturing Jobs in America Act, and H.R. 6217, the Make It In America, Create Clean Energy Manufacturing Jobs Act, would raise the federal minimum of 66% American content to 85%, phased over three years. This level is in line with feasible bids received for new rail cars at Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Agency (LAMTA). Garamendi previously introduced two similar bills that required 100% American content, and the new bills reflect substantial industry, public agency, and labor input.

“Our tax money should go toward U.S. manufacturing, employing American workers. When we Make It In America, Americans can make it once again,” Congressman Garamendi said.

“I commend Congressman Garamendi for leading efforts to create jobs, restore our economy, and move Democrats' Make It In America jobs plan forward,” said House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer. “His bills, which strengthen Buy American requirements for transportation and clean energy projects, are a key part of the Make It In America plan because they will ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent on products made here in the U.S. I am proud to work with Congressman Garamendi to promote these and other Make It In America bills that will create well-paying, middle-class jobs, strengthen our manufacturing sector, and ensure more businesses and families can make it in America.”

“I can say with confidence that my new Make It In America bills are practical and reasonable, because an 85% Made In America requirement is in line with price-competitive feasible bids for new cars at BART and LAMTA,” Congressman Garamendi said. “It’s time for Congress to end the excuses and to give these jobs bills the up-or-down vote on the House floor that they deserve. We’re not just debating a piece of legislation; we’re debating whether to create millions of jobs with a painless change in policy.”